faq

WHAT ARE FAMILY SUNDAYS?At various times of the year, VBC at the Crossing has "Family Sundays", during which only Nursery care is offered and families have the opportunity to worship together in the main service. Not only does this allow our ministry team to have a rest or serve in some other capacity, Family Sundays create an opportunity for parents to train their children by example how to worship and interact with the larger church family. For families with younger children this can be a challenge, but with a little preparation even small children can learn to participate in the life of the church in the Sunday services. To stay informed of upcoming Family Sundays, subscribe to theParent Update.

HOW CAN I BECOME A PART OF THE DISCIPLESHIP TEAM?Wow! We are so encouraged that you asked! Our Team is a place for spiritual growth, community as well as service to the risen Christ and his family. The first step to serving on the team is to download and complete theTeam Applicationand Background Check Form. From there, if you haven't already spoken to Nathan Baird or Karen Glavee, we will connect with you to give you information about the team find the best place for you to serve.

HOW CAN I HOST A FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT?The purpose of a Family Movie Night (FMN) is to get into the habit of evaluating media and culture through the lens of a Biblical worldview. In the past, the Children's Discipleship team has hosted these at VBC's Crossing campus. However, we want this to become a "grassroots" movement in the church so here's how it's done:

Select an age appropriate film the entire family can watch that offers some points for discussion.

Set a date and invite another family or two (or more). Let them know the movie and the purpose of your timeInvite them to bring popcorn, pillows, drinks, etc.

Preview the film, read some reviews and think about themes or scenes in the film that can be discussed. Have a few specific questions and appropriate Bible passages available.

On the night of the FMN, set the space up (e.g. food and drink stations, decorations are a fun option) and have a few Bibles handy. Introduce the film and perhaps a key question(s) for people to be thinking about during the film. After the film ask for positive elements in the movie. Do they pass the Philippians 4:8 test? What are negative elements? What does the Bible say about them? What are the consequences for believing or accepting them as good? Have younger and older people share and read the Bible passages you selected. Limit your discussion to 10 to 15 minutes then close in prayer. Ask for suggestions for the next film and see if another family would like to host next time. Hopefully, this will become a practice. For more ideas or questions, email Nathan Baird

WHAT IS COFFEE WITH DADSEncouraging dads as spiritual leaders with their children is a high priority at VBC. Email Nathan Baird --VBC's pastor to families and children & Family Discipleship enthusiast--to grab coffee or lunch. His treat!

WHAT IS THE JUMBLE?On various Sundays during the year, elementary students and leaders join together during the 9 am service for bible study, music, scripture memorization and group activities. During the worship and memorization portion, we are joined by younger students (Toddlers to Kindergarten). Rather than being solely with students from their own grade, students are "jumbled" into mixed-age table groups. This is an engaging and much-anticipated time for the students. Parents are enthusiastically welcomed to come and participate!

WHAT ARE THE KID QUESTION ARCHIVES?In an effort to demonstrate the amazing authority of scripture to address life's most important questions, the Sunday Discipleship team has an on-going project in which we collect questions from the elementary students on a wide range of topics concerning, God, Jesus, Christianity, the Bible and more. Typically, these questions are then addressed by students during the Jumble. The Kid Question Archives collect those questions along with some key verses that students and leaders have found helpful. We encourage you to look over the questions and use them in family discussions or Bible studies. Visit the Kid Questions Archives

WHAT IS THE PARENT UPDATE?To keep parents informed of family ministry opportunities, events, and other items of interest for parents, Pastor Nathan sends out a weekly email update that has between 2-3 relevant announcements and a "teaser" paragraph linking to an encouraging thought regarding parenting, discipleship, ministry or marriage. To subscribe to the Parent Update, email Pastor Nathan.

WHEN DOES MY CHILD PROMOTE TO A NEW GRADE LEVEL?Generally speaking Sunday discipleship follows the school grade levels for children. Whatever year a student is or would be in school is the same classroom they should attend on Sunday morning. Usually our student promotion Sunday, the same as our "kick off" occurs on the last Sunday of August or the first Sunday of September. We'll keep you informed through the Parent Update.

SUNDAY CHILDREN DISCIPLESHIP TEAMThe Children’s Discipleship Team exists to expand the Kingdom of Christ by teaching the truths of scripture to the kids at VBC in the context of caring relationships as we grow in our call to be disciple-makers in Jesus’ Kingdom. Our classroom lessons are published by Discipleland and are part of a comprehensive curriculum (Nursery through 5th grade).